G. Kalyan Kumar
Inbound travel to India from abroad is booming, with a substantial section seeking to explore its famous pilgrimage centers, deepening the spiritual quest and discovery.
Here we look at an array of such globally famous destinations spread in various parts of India. Besides a brief overview, some outlines are also added on how to reach these destinations and enjoy a comfortable stay.
Travel industry experts affirm that faith-based travel constitutes a whopping 60 percent of India's domestic tourism too, and this is projected to become a $59 billion industry by 2028.
The catalysts of this boom are large-scale government investments to enhance enhanced connectivity, visitor facilities, digital access at sacred sites, and overall infrastructure development.
Contrary to the perception that religious travel is confined to older generations, the reality is both millennials and Gen Z are taking these spiritual pursuits, and they also smartly combine devotion with leisure, wellness, and adventure too.
Now let us explore the top destinations.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is a major center for Hindu pilgrimage and features the ancient city and the holy River Ganges.
Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is the nearest international airport serving Varanasi. It is located at Babatpur, 26 km northwest of Varanasi.
Hotels: The Old City of Varanasi near the Ganges River is a preferred area to stay in Varanasi, especially those near Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. It is close to major temples, ghats, and the vibrant city atmosphere.
There are so many luxury, heritage, and boutique hotels in Varanasi.
• Stay in Banaras
• Taj Ganges
• Brij Rama Palace
• Nadesar Palace
• Suryoday Haveli
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV
• Radisson Hotel Varanasi
• Alka Hotel
• Tridev
• Hotel Varanasi Inn
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
As the mythical birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya in UP has transformed into a major pilgrimage site. After the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, millions of devotees are seeking the divine bliss here.
Airport: The nearest airport to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, some 15 km away on the outskirts of the city. The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow is approximately 130 km from Ayodhya.
Hotels: Some of the best hotels in Ayodhya include those near Ram Mandir, and there are many attractive resorts as well located along the Saryu River.
• Park Inn by Radisson
• Ayodhya Haat Luxury Cottages
• The Ramayana Hotel
• FabHotel Hridyam Madhuram
• Tent City Ayodhya
• Treebo Ramayan Suites Ayodhya
Bade Guruji Mandir, New Delhi
Bade Guruji Mandir in New Delhi is a famous destination of devotees to worship the late spiritual leader Guruji. Located some 10 kms away from Chattarpur in South Delhi, the Mandir is on the road to the famous Asola sanctuary and Bhatti Mines area.
Devotees said to experience the divine grace of Guruji radiated from the Shiv Mandir built by the late Guru ji. Devotees also pray at the Guruji Samadhi.
The teachings of Guruji advocate the importance of balancing worldly duties with spiritual pursuits and excelling in each area with a positive approach in all situations.
Akshardham Temple, New Delhi
The temple complex in New Delhi is famous for its splendid architecture. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River near the Commonwealth Games Village. the temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a revered spiritual leader of Hinduism.
Hotels; For a comfortable stay in Delhi and to explore the city’s attractions, there are many hotels to stay in.
• The Oberoi, New Delhi
• Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida by IHG
• Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar by IHG
• Tavisha Villa Film City Dadri Road, Noida
• Hotel South Delhi Inn,
• The Lalit New Delhi,
• ITC Maurya,
• Radisson Blu Marina, Connaught Place
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
As one of the richest temples in India, the hill shrine Tirupati attracts millions of devotees. It is home to the famous Venkateswara Temple, the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Airport: Tirupati Airport is located in Renigunta, 15 km away from the main city. Regular flights are available to Tirupati from other Indian cities. The nearest international airport is in Chennai, which is around 3 hours of driving from Tirupati.
Hotels: Some of the best hotels in Tirupati include the following:
• Taj Tirupati
• Manasa Sarovar Premiere
• Urban Hut
• Hotel Pai Viceroy
• Minerva Grand Tirupati
• Ekante Bliss
• Renest Tirupati
• Springs Hotel
• Fortune Select Grand Ridge
Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple is the holiest shrine for the Sikh religion. The stunning architectural marvel covered in gold adds more glory to its spiritual appeal.
Airport: The nearest airport to the Golden Temple is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, 15 km away from the city center.
Hotels: Amritsar offers a variety of hotels near the Golden Temple, all within walking distance of this iconic landmark.
• Ranjit's Svaasa
• Hyatt Regency
• Fairfield by Marriott
• Hotel RV Golden
• Diamond Inn
• Seth Residency
• Hotel GC Grand Inn
• Hotel Nayyar Inn
• Hotel Rosewood Inn
• Blackwood
Ajmer Sharif, Rajasthan
Home to the Dargah of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the shrine is considered one of the holiest sites for Muslims.
Airport: Both Jaipur International Airport and Kishangarh Airport are readily accessible. But Kishangarh Airport is preferred, as it is 25 km away.
Hotels: There are many hotels near Ajmer Sharif that offer comfortable stays, good amenities, and easy access to the Dargah.
• Sarovar Portico Ajmer
• Hotel Madni Royale
• The Royal Melange Beacon
• Hotel Al Aziz Palace
• Clarks Collection Grand Sapphire Ajmer
• Hotel Fortune Plaza,
• Hotel Kanak Sagar ,
• In Imperial,
• Hotel New Majestic
• Sahiba Palace,
• Hotel Yash Paradise,
• Kesar Guest House
Shirdi, Maharashtra
This is the most important site for devotees of Sai Baba. Devotees worship at the famous Shree Samadhi Mandir and seek blessings of Sai Baba, who is considered a divine incarnation.
Airport: Shirdi Airport is an international airport at Kakadi that is just 15 km from the temple town. Other airports within a 150 km radius include Pune and Aurangabad.
Hotels: Shirdi offers accommodation in a range of hotels. Most of them are within walking distance of the Sai Baba Temple.
• St. Laurn Spiritual Resort
• Sun N Sand Hotel
• Temple Tree Hotel Shirdi
• Hotel Sai Jashan Shirdi
• Hotel Rudra Royals
• Hotel Saikrupa Shirdi
• Hotel Lee Grand
• Hotel Sai Gurusthan
Vaishno Devi, Jammu
A revered mountain cave shrine dedicated to the Goddess Vaishno Devi. The Vaishno Devi shrine located in the Trikuta Mountains is famous for its deity as a sacred manifestation of the Goddess Durga, who fulfills devotees' wishes.
Airport: The nearest airport to the Vaishno Devi temple is Jammu Airport, also known as Satwari Airport, 50 kilometers from Katra.
Hotels: There are many well-to-do hotels in base camp Katra for a comfortable pilgrimage experience. Staying near Banganga Road or Railway Road offers easy access to the Vaishno Devi trek starting points.
• Vinayak Inn, Katra
• Hotel The Vaishvik
• Welcome hotel by ITC
• Rama Trident Katra
• Ramada by Wyndham
• Holiday Inn Katra
• Hotel The Royal Krishna
• Hotel Kalka Royal
• Best Western Swing High Katra
• Hotel Ambica
Dwarka, Gujarat
Dwarka in Gujarat state is famous as the historical kingdom of Lord Krishna. This pilgrimage center attracts devotees to the Dwarkadhish Temple, or Jagat Mandir, dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is also a revered site for the Char Dham pilgrimage.
The closest airports to Dwarka, Gujarat, are Porbandar Airport (PBD), 95 km away, and Jamnagar Airport, around 110 km away.
Hotels: There are many hotels to stay close to Dwarkadhish Temple with comfortable and family-friendly hotels.
• Hotel Sky
• Hotel Gomti
• Hotel Shree Vallabh
• Hotel Shree Darshan
• Hotel Rajdhani
• Devbhoomi Residency
St. Francis Xavier Church, Goa
These are prominent Christian pilgrimage sites for both domestic and foreign visitors. St. Francis Xavier Church is the final resting place of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, and the mortal remains are housed in a silver-enclosed casket.
Airport: The church can be reached from Dabolim as well as Manohar International Airports, with an average distance of 30 km.
Hotels: There are many top-rated hotels in New Goa as well as Old Goa. The former is best for beachside luxury, and Old Goa unlocks the historic charm. Prominent New Goa areas include Panaji, Candolim, and Miramar, with famous beaches, resorts, and modern amenities.
• Novotel Goa Candolim
• Cidade De Goa, Panaji
• Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar
• The Postcard Velha, Old Goa
• DoubleTree by Hilton, Old Goa
• The Fern Kadamba Hotel & Spa, Old Goa
• Miros—Formerly Imperial, Old Goa
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
This is the holy site where Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi temple attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.
Airport: The nearest airport is Gaya Airport. It is an international as well as domestic airport that serves the region with direct flights to several domestic and international destinations. Patna Airport is 120 km from Bodh Gaya.
Hotels: Bodh Gaya offers a range of highly rated hotels close to the Mahabodhi Temple, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses for a comfortable and peaceful stay.
• Buddha Heritage Resort
• Marasa Sarovar Premiere, Bodhgaya
• Hotel Bodhgaya Regency
• Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya
• Hotel Anand International Bodhgaya
• Sakura House
• Maya Heritage
• Niranjana Hotel Bodhgaya
Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
The historic place near Varanasi is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The sacred site features many historic ruins, including the Ashoka Pillar and towers like the Dhamek and Chaukhandi stupas.
Airport: The nearest airport is Varanasi Airport, known as Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, and is 30 kilometers from Sarnath.
Hotels: Sarnath offers a range of comfortable hotels close to the historical sites for an immersive experience.
• HHW Buddha Lineage
• Hotel Sarnath International
• Treebo Little Buddha
• OYO Buddha International Hotel
• Mohit Paying Guest House
• Mayur Paying Guest House
Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Haridwar is a famous pilgrimage center on the banks of the holy Ganga River and is the “Gateway to the Gods” in sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
It features many sacred sites, including Har ki Pauri for ritual bathing and many temples for Hindu deities.
Among the twin cities on the Ganga, Rishikesh is a global hub for yoga and meditation.
Airport: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located some 40 km away.
Hotels: Haridwar and Rishikesh offer a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly dharamshalas.
Haridwar hotels include the following.
• Gobind Bhawan Heritage Hotel
• Hotel Le ROI
• Ganga Lahari
• Amatra by the Ganges
• Renest Haridwar
• Regenta Orkos
• Hotel Ganga Kinarey, Rishikesh
• EllBee Ganga View, Rishikesh
Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
The seaside pilgrimage site with the Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus; it is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The mythology is that Lord Rama came down to the temple and worshipped Lord Shiva before starting the expedition to Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita.
Airport: The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is Madurai Airport (IXM), which is about 140 km away by road. The temple town is also connected by train service from Madurai.
Hotels: The hotels combine comfort, convenience, and excellent hospitality. They also provide easy access to the Dhanushkodi beach.
• Hotel Rameswaram Grand
• The Residency Towers, Rameswaram
• Star Palace Hotel
• Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram
• Hotel Ganesh Palace
• Hotel Ashoka
• Hotel SS Palace
• Akash Residency
Madurai Meenakshi, Tamil Nadu
The Meenakshi Temple in the temple town is famous for its vibrant colors and elaborate architecture.
The nearest airport is Madurai International Airport, 10 kilometers from the city center.
Hotels: Some of the well-known hotels near the temple include the following.
• JC Residency
• Hotel Temple View
• Hotel Saratharajans
• The Madurai Residency
• Fortune Pandiyan Hotel, Madurai (ITC)
Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kerala
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a prominent pilgrim center. It is one of the richest temples in the world and one of the 108 holy sites of Lord Vishnu. The ancient temple also impresses with its unique architecture.
Airport: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport.
Hotels: There are excellent hotels near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, ranging from luxury stays to budget accommodations.
• Dimora Hotels and Resorts
• Hyacinth Hotel
• Classic Sarovar Portico
• KTDC Grand Chaithram
• The Central Residency
• CASA Inn Luxury Suites,
• Vivin Luxury Suites
• Hotel Prathiba Heritage,
• Keys Select Lemon Tree
• Terrace Hotel
Guruvayur Temple, Kerala
Guruvayur Temple in Kerala is a major pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple houses the ancient idol believed to have been worshipped by Lord Krishna himself.
Airport: The nearest international airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), some 80 km away.
Hotels: Guruvayoor Temple City has a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury stays, to make the pilgrimage comfortable and convenient.
• Srivar Hotels
• Hotel Sree Gokulam
• Hotel Guruvayur Darshan
• KTDC Nandanam
• Hotel Sopanam Heritage
• Krishnavalsam Regency
• Devanganam Residency
• Sreepathi Mayoogha
Puri Jagannath Temple, Odisha
The Jagannath Temple here is famous for the annual Rath Yatra festival. The shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, attracts millions of pilgrims each year.
Airport: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar and is 70 km away from the city of Puri.
Hotels: There are many top-rated hotels near Shree Jagannath Temple offering convenience, comfort, and great access to the temple and nearby beach.
• Hotel Shreehari Grand
• Hotel Agrawal Pride
• Hotel Ambika Palace
• Victoria Club Hotel
• Hotel Golden Tree
• Bobby Premium Residency:
• Hotel Guru Estate
Shravanabelagola, Karnataka
This is one of the major Jain pilgrimage sites, known for the colossal monolithic statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali.
Airport: The nearest airport is Mysore, 70 km away, but international flights are at Bangalore, which is 150 km away.
Hotels: Shravanabbelagola has many budget-friendly hotels that provide convenient access to the Bahubali hill. However, visitors aspiring for luxury amenities are advised to find hotels in a nearby Mysore city.
• Hotel Arasi, Shravanabelagola
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysore
• Fortune JP Palace, Mysore
• Regenta Central Herald, Mysore
Option for curated train tour packages
For travel enthusiasts keen on an intense spiritual experience, there are curated train tours across India, including the Buddhist Circuit and other destinations for a seamless spiritual experience.
The Buddhist Circuit Train by IRCTC is an example. The 7-night, 8-day itinerary takes passengers to important Buddhist heritage sites in India and Nepal. The destinations covered are Bodhgaya (enlightenment of Buddha), Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini (Nepal), Kushinagar (Nirvana site), and Shravasti.
The special train starts from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi, and makes a concluding trip to Agra as well before returning to Delhi.
